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A.W. Lukens, Todd Miner, Angela Wright, MD, and Elaine Reno, MD

In this course, students will learn the basics of wilderness medicine, including how it is a unique clinical environment, and concepts of scene safety. They will learn how to perform a basic assessment of a patient, including a physical exam, gather history data using the SAMPLE approach, and how to evaluate a patient for a potential spinal cord injury.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Wilderness First Aid
In this module, you will learn what Wilderness Medicine entails, how this specialty serves as a unique clinical environment, and the importance of scene safety.
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Patient Assessment
In this module, you will learn how to perform a primary and secondary assessment on a patient, take their vitals, and how to perform an interview.
Management, Assessment, and Planning
In this module, you will learn how to stabilize someone’s spine when there is concern for a spinal injury, how to safely move patients when they are unable to move themselves, and how to assess and plan your care and treatment for a patient.
Wilderness Medicine in Practice
In this module, you will learn about how wilderness medicine is a unique environment and the special challenges that an austere environment presents that is not seen in urban medicine. You will also watch a case study interview that demonstrates assessment and planning.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches the basics of wilderness medicine, which is highly relevant to those who may find themselves in wilderness settings
Covers important concepts such as scene safety, patient assessment, and management, which are crucial for wilderness medicine practitioners
Led by experienced medical professionals, including Dr. Angela Wright and Dr. Elaine Reno, who are recognized for their work in wilderness medicine
Assumes no prior knowledge of wilderness medicine, making it accessible to beginners with an interest in the subject
Emphasizes the unique challenges and considerations of providing medical care in wilderness environments
May require access to specific equipment or resources for practical application of the concepts taught

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Wilderness First Aid - Introduction with these activities:
Review Course Materials and Assessments
Solidify your understanding of the course material by reviewing notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Show steps
  • Organize your notes by module and topic
  • Complete any outstanding assignments or quizzes
  • Review practice exams and identify areas where you need additional support
Review Basic Medical Techniques
Strengthen your foundation in basic medical techniques before starting the course to ensure a smooth learning experience.
Browse courses on First Aid
Show steps
  • Enroll in a basic first aid or CPR course
  • Study basic medical techniques through online resources or textbooks
  • Practice performing basic medical procedures, such as wound care and splinting
Attend a Study Group
Enhance your learning by collaborating with peers in a study group to discuss course material and practice skills.
Show steps
  • Find or create a study group with classmates
  • Meet regularly to discuss module topics
  • Share notes, resources, and perspectives
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Practice Patient Assessment
Reinforce the techniques learned in the Patient Assessment module by practicing assessing patients in a simulated environment.
Browse courses on Patient Assessment
Show steps
  • Gather a group of participants to role-play as patients
  • Take turns performing a primary and secondary assessment on each patient
  • Discuss your findings with the group and compare your assessments
Review Spinal Injury Management
Supplement the information covered in the Management, Assessment, and Planning module by exploring additional resources on spinal injury management.
Browse courses on Wilderness Medicine
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials or articles on spinal injury management
  • Watch or read the tutorials and take notes on the key points
  • Discuss your findings with a classmate or instructor
Volunteer at a Local Outdoor Recreation Organization
Apply your wilderness medicine knowledge and skills in a real-world setting by volunteering with organizations that provide outdoor recreation opportunities.
Browse courses on Wilderness Medicine
Show steps
  • Research and identify local organizations that offer outdoor recreation activities
  • Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities
  • Attend training and orientation sessions
  • Volunteer at events or activities, providing medical support or other assistance
Develop an Emergency Care Plan for a Wilderness Trip
Apply the concepts learned in the course to create a practical plan for responding to emergencies in a wilderness setting.
Browse courses on Emergency Preparedness
Show steps
  • Identify potential hazards and risks associated with your planned wilderness trip
  • Research and gather information on how to treat common injuries and illnesses
  • Compile a list of essential supplies and medications
  • Create a written plan outlining your emergency procedures
Contribute to Open-Source Medical Projects
Gain practical experience by contributing to open-source projects related to wilderness medicine or medical technologies.
Browse courses on Medical Technology
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects that align with your interests
  • Join the project community and introduce yourself
  • Find a task or issue that you can contribute to
  • Make your contributions and receive feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Wilderness First Aid - Introduction will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Wilderness First Responder
Wilderness First Responders are trained to provide emergency medical care in remote and rugged environments where traditional medical help may be hours or even days away. This course would be a great foundation for someone who wants to become a Wilderness First Responder, as it would provide them with the basic knowledge and skills they need to assess and treat patients in the wilderness.
Outdoor Educator
Outdoor Educators lead groups of people on outdoor adventures, such as hiking, camping, and kayaking. They teach participants about the natural world and help them to develop outdoor skills. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become an Outdoor Educator, as it would provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to keep their participants safe in the wilderness.
Park Ranger
Park Rangers protect and manage natural and cultural resources in parks and other protected areas. They also provide visitor services and enforce park regulations. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a Park Ranger, as it would provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to keep visitors safe in the wilderness.
Search and Rescue Technician
Search and Rescue Technicians locate and rescue people who are lost, injured, or trapped in the wilderness. They use a variety of techniques, including tracking, map and compass navigation, and rope rescue. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a Search and Rescue Technician, as it would provide them with the basic knowledge and skills they need to perform their job safely and effectively.
Emergency Medical Technician
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) provide emergency medical care to patients in a variety of settings, including the wilderness. They are trained to assess patients, provide first aid, and transport patients to the hospital. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become an EMT, as it would provide them with the basic knowledge and skills they need to assess and treat patients in the wilderness.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals who provide medical care under the supervision of a physician. They are trained to perform a variety of tasks, including taking patient histories, performing physical exams, and prescribing medication. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a PA, as it would provide them with the basic knowledge and skills they need to assess and treat patients in the wilderness.
Nurse
Nurses provide a variety of healthcare services to patients, including assessing patients, providing first aid, and administering medication. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a nurse, as it would provide them with the basic knowledge and skills they need to assess and treat patients in the wilderness.
Doctor
Doctors are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. They are trained to perform a variety of tasks, including taking patient histories, performing physical exams, and prescribing medication. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a doctor, as it would provide them with the basic knowledge and skills they need to assess and treat patients in the wilderness.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help patients to restore their physical function after an injury or illness. They use a variety of techniques, including exercise, massage, and electrical stimulation. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a Physical Therapist, as it would provide them with the basic knowledge and skills they need to assess and treat patients in the wilderness.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help patients to improve their ability to perform everyday activities, such as eating, dressing, and bathing. They use a variety of techniques, including exercise, training, and assistive technology. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become an Occupational Therapist, as it would provide them with the basic knowledge and skills they need to assess and treat patients in the wilderness.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists help patients to improve their speech, language, and swallowing skills. They use a variety of techniques, including exercises, therapy, and counseling. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a Speech-Language Pathologist, as it would provide them with the basic knowledge and skills they need to assess and treat patients in the wilderness.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people to cope with social and emotional problems. They provide a variety of services, including counseling, case management, and advocacy. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a Social Worker, as it would provide them with the basic knowledge and skills they need to assess and treat patients in the wilderness.
Counselor
Counselors help people to deal with mental health problems. They provide a variety of services, including talk therapy, medication management, and group counseling. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a Counselor, as it would provide them with the basic knowledge and skills they need to assess and treat patients in the wilderness.
Psychologist
Psychologists help people to understand and cope with mental health problems. They use a variety of techniques, including talk therapy, medication management, and psychological testing. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a Psychologist, as it would provide them with the basic knowledge and skills they need to assess and treat patients in the wilderness.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems. They use a variety of techniques, including talk therapy, medication management, and electroconvulsive therapy. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a Psychiatrist, as it would provide them with the basic knowledge and skills they need to assess and treat patients in the wilderness.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Wilderness First Aid - Introduction.
This comprehensive guide provides a thorough overview of wilderness medicine, covering topics such as scene safety, patient assessment, and management of common injuries and illnesses. It is an excellent resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of the field.
Valuable resource for those seeking to become Wilderness First Responders. It covers the essential skills and knowledge required for providing emergency medical care in remote environments.
Provides a comprehensive overview of wilderness emergency medicine. It valuable resource for healthcare professionals working in remote environments.
Comprehensive guide to wilderness medicine. It covers a wide range of topics, including scene safety, patient assessment, and management of common injuries and illnesses.
Comprehensive guide to wilderness medicine for clinicians. It covers a wide range of topics, including scene safety, patient assessment, and management of common injuries and illnesses.
Comprehensive handbook of wilderness medicine. It covers a wide range of topics, including scene safety, patient assessment, and management of common injuries and illnesses.
Provides a comprehensive overview of pediatric wilderness medicine. It valuable resource for healthcare professionals working with children in remote environments.
Practical guide to medical care in wilderness environments. It covers a wide range of topics, including injury prevention, altitude sickness, and infectious diseases.

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